William Clarke Harris M.D., Racine, 93, died Jan. 6, 2016. Bill (Doc) was born on July 22, 1922, to the late Florence (Clarke) and Frank Harris in Wilmington, Del., where he was raised alongside his brother Frank Jr. His family moved to Racine in July of 1934 when his father obtained a job running a local foundry.
He graduated with honors from Washington Park High School in 1940 and went on to work at Massey Harris Co. in Racine while attending college.
He met Joyce E. Thome during this time, who also worked as an executive secretary at Massey. They began to date and then shortly after graduating college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Captain of a PT boat during WWII. On Sept. 18, 1944, he married Joyce while on leave from his duty.
When he finished his active service time, he continued to serve in the reserves and came back to Racine. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Philadelphia where he graduated with honors from Temple University Medical School, specializing in surgery. After graduation, he once again returned to Racine and completed his medical residency in Milwaukee.
He went on to be a founding member of Kurten Medical Group in Racine and served as Chief of Staff at St. Mary’s Hospital throughout the 1980s. He continued his medical profession, still conducting surgeries until he was 70 and finally retiring at age 72. He was known for making house calls and taking care of his patients well into his retirement.
As a child, he grew fond of horses and carried that passion and his love of riding and farming throughout his adulthood. In 1966, he bought his first two horses, which would be the start of Sunny Oak Farm, a thriving thoroughbred racehorse farm.
During his leisure time, Bill and his children enjoyed riding together and attending the annual Thanksgiving Day Hunt at the Ehrlich Farm in Racine. He was one of the founding members of the Racine County Pony Club, an equestrian organization for local youth. In the early 1970s, Bill expanded his thoroughbred operation and moved to Yorkville with his family. Later, he bought a farm in Kentucky, which is now owned and operated by his daughter, Carol.
In addition to running the farm, Bill was an avid ‘scratch’ golfer, winning several state Medical Association golfing tournaments. He also served on countless boards for local organizations and was an active member of the Racine community throughout his life.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years; children, Susan (Robert) Ruland, Sally Harris, Bruce (Mary Claire) Harris, Carol Ricker, Scott Harris, Marcia (Michael) Gauger, Nancy (Keith) Grayson; 14 grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was further preceded in death by his brother, Frank L. Harris Jr.
A memorial service with full military honors is Saturday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m., at Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St., Racine, with Deacon Russell Missureli officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from 1 p.m., until time of service at 2 p.m. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Association have been suggested.
In memory and in honor of Dr. Harris, please extend an act of kindness to someone in need.
Well-wishers can visit www.meredithfuneralhome.com.
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